Fit and Run.Info

One of the runners trying to find comfort in the searing heat in Pampanga

It’s not only the distance that is quite trying for the Bataan Death March Ultramarathoners, but starting at around 8 AM and on until the time of this writing at 3 PM here in Guagua, Pampanga at KM 92 of the Death March, the runners have to find comfort from the searing heat. From ice cold water being splashed on their heads, countless bottles of gatorade and bottled water, to improvised sun shades, they have to bear the heat of the sun.

It doesn’t help that the highway from Dinalupihan, Bataan to Guagua, Pampanga, the road is open and cemented adding to the scorching heat. As one of the support crew of three runners, I admire their determination and headstrong commitment to finish this race.

Right now, the Singaporean lady runner we’re assisting is taking on the last 10 kilometers to the finish line head0-on while our two other runners are now into the 90s.

For updates, do stay tuned at twitter via the hashtag #bdm102.

Marathoners getting ready for the start of the Philippines's only ultramarathon

About thirty minutes ago, the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon just started, 2330H, 6 March. Being part of the support crew of Blas Tiangco and two others including a Singaporean woman, we are now waiting at KM 07 for the runners to arrive. Just imagine, at KM 03, the race course starts it’s ascent and goes on for the next four kilometers.

For updates, do stay tuned at twitter via the hashtag #bdm102.

The Bald Runner orienting the ultramarathoners and their support crew

The first time I heard about the 102 kilometer Bataan Death March Ultramarathon or BDM 102, I reacted with “wow” considering the length of the race at 102 kilometers. Being a newbie in running, I didn’t expect that there is a so called ultramarathon and that one is happening in the country.

The BDM 102 is the first of its kind in the Philippines, now on its second year, which is organized by the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners (PAU) headed by the Bald Runner himself. Instead of holding this in April, like last year and in time for the death march anniversary, BDM102 will start midnight tonight.

This event is held to commemorate the infamous Bataan Death March in April 1942 during World War II wherein tens of thousands of Filipino and American soldiers were forced to walk from Mariveles in Bataan (KM 00) all the way to Capas, Tarlac, for a total of 159 KM. Several thousands didn’t make it with many killed by the Japanese with their bayonets. This race, however, is only upto the KM 102 post in San Fernando, Pampanga.

During the carboloading party and briefing

This is also a good opportunity to document the event that’s why when Blas Tiangco, a runner who I incidentally photographed both at the Cebu City Marathon and the Condura Run invited me to be part of his support crew for the BDM 102, mainly to photograph him and other runners, I didn’t hesitate and accepted it immediately.

This race isn’t for the weak. This ultramarathon, an endurance race, is timed at 18 hours starting on or before midnight tonight, 7 March starting at KM 00 in Mariveles. As of the latest update, there were already 102 registered runners, both men and women with some foreigners participating and not all, however, are expected to finish.

This evening, we’ll be leaving for Bataan and I’ll be there to support the Bataan Death March Ultramarathon.